We host Salford tonight looking to bounce back straight away in the league

In the Dugout

Gary Bowyer’s first taste in management came when he took over as caretaker manager of Blackburn Rovers in 2012. A few months later he became caretaker manager again after Michael Appleton’s sacking and got the job until the end of the season and got the permanent manager until the end of the season. He was sacked in 2015 and went on to manage Blackpool and Bradford before joining Salford.

Man with the Armband

Ashley Eastham began his youth career at Blackpool where he made just one professional appearance, going out on loan to Hyde United, Cheltenham Town, Carlisle United, Bury, Fleetwood Town and Notts County. He signed permanently for Rochdale in 2013 and then Fleetwood in 2016 before joining Salford in 2020.

The centre-half has made 25 appearances in all competitions this season scoring two goals. The goals came against Northampton Town and Walsall. Eastham has played a key role in defence being a part of 11 clean sheets.

Star Man

Defender Jordan Turnbull began his youth career at the Southampton Academy in 2007 and joined professionally in 2013. He never made a professional appearance for Southampton and instead went out on loan to Swindon Town between 2014-2016, before permanently signing for Coventry City in 2016. He then joined Partick Thistle on a one-year loan deal before permanently moving to Northampton Town in 2018, and then signing for Salford City two years later.

Turnbull has had three assists this season and has scored four goals across four competitions against Derby County, Leeds United U21s, Dagenham & Redbridge and Stevenage.

Top Scorer

The Ammies’ top scorer is Brandon Thomas-Asante with eight goals in all competitions. Six in the league and two in the Papa John’s Trophy. His most notable game was in the trophy where he scored twice against Leeds U21. He will be unavailable for the game due to being shown a straight red card in Salford’s last match.

Last time out and recent form

In their last five games, Salford have won two, lost two and drawn one. The Ammies’ two wins came against Stevenage and Newport County whilst they drew with Tranmere Rovers. They were beaten away at Mansfield and Bradford City in their most recent game.

Thomas-Asante scored the opener in Bradford on 35 minutes before being sent off just eight minutes later. A Ryan Watson own goal brought the Bantams level after 57 minutes before Paudie O’Connor won the game for the home side 5 minutes from time.